This month the Office of Human Rights (OHR) published the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Chapter 10: Housing and Commercial Space in the DC Register.

The purpose of this amendment is to provide updated guidelines for transactions in real estate pertaining to dwelling and commercial space accommodations, especially those involving the protected category of status as a victim of an intrafamily offense.  Specifically, this amendment would provide protection from eviction to victims of intrafamily offenses; provide release from a lease should a victim’s safety be in jeopardy; and, generally, prohibit housing discrimination against victims of intrafamily offenses.  The Director also has proposed a number of substantial additions with respect to the rights and responsibilities of housing providers and tenants, as well as a number of clarifying amendments to other provisions of the Chapter. OHR seeks comments from the public prior to finalizing the amendment.  To learn more about the proposed amendment, visit http://www.dcregs.org/Gateway/RuleHome.aspx?RuleID=2925828.

Please submit comments within 60 days (or by July 30, 2011) via email to [email protected] or by regular mail to the Office of General Counsel, Office of Human Rights, 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 570 North, Washington, DC 20001.